Learning Healthy Conflict Management

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

(Proverbs 27:17)

Conflict happens in every marriage, but God uses those struggles to help individuals and couples grow and find greater joy (James 1:2). In a thriving marriage, couples recognize this reality and strive to learn how to handle conflict. Healthy couples deal with issues right away, speak respectfully even when they disagree, and show compassion in conflict. They are willing to talk about difficult topics, try to understand each other’s point of view, and forgive each other after a disagreement.

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The Power of Mother Love

First comes joy

A pregnancy generates nine months of significant psychological and physiological upheaval. While it’s wonderful, it’s nothing short of cataclysmic. Most women are awash with euphoria when they first learn from their doctor or pregnancy kit that they’re carrying a child. “I jumped up and down when I got the call from my obstetrician’s office confirming that I was pregnant,” said Ginger, 29. “Then I speed-dialed my husband, and that night we called our parents, friends and just about everybody in the free world.”

If a woman feels safe in her marriage, the news that she is pregnant can be immensely reassuring. She may have wondered if she could even conceive a baby, especially since some of her 30-something friends are struggling with infertility. Finding out that she has conceived allays a woman’s fears and makes her feel whole like nothing else can. While a man may strut and Read more

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Workaholism

How can workaholics break the cycle of addiction? The first step is recognizing the problem. Debra Weaver, a pastor’s wife and mother of four who teaches part time at her children’s school, recently made the decision to step down as director of women’s ministries at her church after she recognized the toll her busyness was taking on her relationships at home.

“I was constantly on the phone or on the computer, and as a result, I was constantly getting mad at my kids,” she recalls. “I knew it was time to give it up. For me, it was a matter of trusting God: Do I really believe that if I invest my time where God wants me to invest it — in my family — He will bless my ministry?”

Rebecca Robeson, a self-admitted workaholic, is not yet free of her workaholism. But Read more

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Leave Tracks

After my father died at 66, I found only one letter from him summarizing his life’s journey. My senses still happily recall the sights and sounds of my days with him. But, sadly, I have no other record of his thoughts and feelings throughout all his years on earth.

When my mother departed 20 years later, I held in my hand several letters of a routine sort. She also had typed about four pages of precious childhood memories. Two weeks after she died, I found a scribbled note in the bottom of her purse that was clearly meant to be her final instructions to my two sisters and me.

I love you all very much and am so thankful to God for each one of you. We’ve

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Ready to Wed

Getting married? Ready to Wed Engaged Couples Toolkit is a comprehensive guide to marriage preparation. The kit features an engaging 10-session DVD series, a leader’s guide, two copies of the couple’s workbook…CLICK HERE